The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions

The earliest track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I perform at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I oddly remember all the words to
I recently discovered that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect tune to blast at a party
It depends on the point of the evening you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The number I can not listen to
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The LP that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.

The song that brings me to tears
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.

The music I’d like to be played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.